A Siren at the Helm

Chapter II: Wild Mountain Thyme

The rumor of Isabella Oakes's coming had been true. The little town was bustling with excitement. Nothing interesting ever happened in this part of the world except for ships making port, and even that got old eventually.

Amina spent her nights working in the pub and her days selling fish with Mrs Evans. Sometimes she would play with little Annie too, when herself and Annie's mother had sold out the day's catch.

Mrs Evans was an excellent mother and wife. The years had been good to her, her auburn hair and friendly green eyes were still as bright as ever. With a head for business, she sold the fish that her husband and son caught. She was also the kindest person Amina knew.

When Amina first arrived on the island, Mrs Evans had been the one to take her in. Upon finding out that she had no living relatives, Mrs Evans had insisted Amina stay with her and her family. Ever since then Mrs Evans had treated Amina like as family.

Working with Mrs Evans was often pleasurable, which caused the days to fly by. It was also the case with the three days before Isabella Oakes's arrival.

*

The pub was crowded. Amina had expected a lot of people to come, but not this many. It was so busy in fact, that the pub's owner had asked her to work on her night off. They didn't have enough barmaids to serve everyone. Being the only place with something remotely resembling a stage, the pub had been chosen for Isabella's performance.

The place was more brightly lit than usual, and Amina could recognize many of the people in the audience. Among them was the baker, the carpenter and their neighbors; the blacksmith and his wife.

Amina smiled and waved as she saw mr. and Mrs Evans too. They were seated at the far table with their children beside them. From where Amina was standing she could see that Annie and her brother, Johnathan, were having a big argument. She had to stifle a laugh as she watch Mrs Evans quiet them. Little Annie's cheeks were puffed and red as she eyed her brother with all the anger that a six year old can muster.

Amina fidgeted with her hair. She hadn't bothered wearing the rag over her head tonight and so the black strands were regularly falling in her eyes.

It was late. Much later than it should have been. Amina checked the old grandfather clock behind the bar as she served an equally old man his ale. Isabella Oakes should have started singing half an hour ago. Something was wrong and everyone was becoming impatient.

Amina looked around. Surely she had to arrive soon? She spotted Felipe walking towards the stage. Amina made her way towards him, grabbing him by the arm before he could get there.

"What's going on? Where is Isabella?" She whispered urgently.
"She's late," came the answer.
"I can see that thank you very much. I'm asking whether you know why."
"Apparently there's a problem with the ferry from the mainland, so it'll be a while." Felipe said coolly.
"Whell what do we tell everyone? I don't think they'll be willing to wait much longer." Amina asked, looking around at the people seated in the pub.
"Don't you worry about that. I have a plan," Felipe winked at her. Amina decided that that was not a good sign, but she left it be as Felipe made the rest of his way to the stage.

He jumped up the steps with light feet and clapped his hands loudly. "Good evening everyone, if I may have your attention please," he called out. "There has been a few problems, causing a delay with miss Oakes's performance." The crowd buzzed with unimpressed murmurs, some threatening to leave.

"But," Felipe yelled above the noise. The audience quieted. "But" Felipe continued with extravagance, "while we wait, one of our lovely barmaids is going to sing for you in the meantime." Amina could feel her blood begin to boil. He wouldn't dare, would he?